Last Saturday was one of the greatest times of my life despite my North Texas getting shut out by Army 24-0.Before we get to the game I'd like to talk about West Point.The Point is located about 50 miles north of NYC.The scenery is the most picturesque sitting at the bend of the Hudson River where it narrows and bends.All you history buffs know why the fort was built there.British ships controlling the Hudson couldn't go any further north due to cannons on both sides and a huge chain that crossed the river.Enough of history...Michie Stadium is one of the most beautiful places to see a football game.Not just the stadium but the pageantry of the game itself.It's hard to describe what happens before the kickoff.Even living close to the Point and having gone to many games it's still an experience of a lifetime.It should be on your bucket list for people that follow sports.
I had a free ticket to the game given to me by one of my students who graduated from my HS this year.In fact the day after graduation most family's are celebrating with parties,etc but R had to report to the Point for basic training.
I had plans to sit with the North Texas fans for the 1st half and him and his parents the 2nd.NT had about 200-300 fans many parents and relatives of the players.These people had no idea about what they were about to see.
The band marches in playing Army's fight song.Then the 2nd Brigade come marching in.Since its still summer the cadets are in their "whites".As they march in cadence its spectacular.The long gray line comes is unison. The PA announcer gives the name of each brigade commander and their hometown and state.From Vir,Texas,Pa,RI,Kansas,etc The American flag and Brigade flag with about 1,000 cadets come marching in.Can't tell you how great that looks and how proud it makes you feel to be an American.I get goosebumps and my eyes water up.I know that sounds corny but it makes you feel so good inside. It gives you a feeling like we are the best country in the world.
When their march is over and the cadets leave the field they go over the cadet section where another 3,000 cadet are waiting for them.Then the big screen starts playing a video with the Army fight song.....many film clips of Davis,Blanchard,and the 40' and 50' championship teams...Army Navy games...music gets louder,and then the Army team comes running out with the American flag....damn....I'm cheering for Army but I have three ***'s on NT +5.5.
The North Texas fans were going crazy.Even when North Texas took the field it was anti climatic for them.
Then the Army team skydivers that are dropped from a helicopter are about to enter the field.There are 4 and each one lands at the 20,30,40 and the last one at the 50 where an official is waiting.This skydiver has the game ball.As we watched I thought the 4th diver looked pretty low but maybe he had a different route.But he was having trouble and never made the treeline.All the fans sitting on the south end zone could see him disappear into the treeline.It was kind of funny but the PA announcer played it off thanking the 3 Army skydivers...
I got to sit with many North Texas people and all of them couldn't believe how nice NY was.Most were staying in NYC and took buses up here.They were surprised at how friendly New Yorkers are.I told them its kind of a profiling we all do no matter where your from.I'm glad those 200-300 people got to experience something different.
The 2nd half I got to sit with R.At 1st I sat with him and his 100 brigade plebes.I was the only person in " civies" in the section.I asked if that was allowed because it looked like I didn't belong. "R" introduced me to all his plebes in his brigade.Again you see these kids that just a month ago graduated HS.Again I'm so proud of all these kids.
"R" took me over to his parents and I watched the 2nd half there.
The game is another story.North Texas starting a backup Qb and center both break their legs early in the game.The 3rd string guys couldn't do anything.Army scores within 4 minutes when NT's punter flubs a punt and Army gets the ball on the NT 30.Three plays later its 7-0.It was over then.
Army gets its 1st shutout in 5 years....Although I was a little lighter in the boxes department it was such a nice day and great win for Army.I had such a nice day on the banks of the Hudson.So did the 300 NT fans and the 25,000 Army fans....
Hope this post doesn't sound to Corney but it was a great day.
Think I like Duke next week vs Army if the line is under 8..not sure of the line yet....
I had a free ticket to the game given to me by one of my students who graduated from my HS this year.In fact the day after graduation most family's are celebrating with parties,etc but R had to report to the Point for basic training.
I had plans to sit with the North Texas fans for the 1st half and him and his parents the 2nd.NT had about 200-300 fans many parents and relatives of the players.These people had no idea about what they were about to see.
The band marches in playing Army's fight song.Then the 2nd Brigade come marching in.Since its still summer the cadets are in their "whites".As they march in cadence its spectacular.The long gray line comes is unison. The PA announcer gives the name of each brigade commander and their hometown and state.From Vir,Texas,Pa,RI,Kansas,etc The American flag and Brigade flag with about 1,000 cadets come marching in.Can't tell you how great that looks and how proud it makes you feel to be an American.I get goosebumps and my eyes water up.I know that sounds corny but it makes you feel so good inside. It gives you a feeling like we are the best country in the world.
When their march is over and the cadets leave the field they go over the cadet section where another 3,000 cadet are waiting for them.Then the big screen starts playing a video with the Army fight song.....many film clips of Davis,Blanchard,and the 40' and 50' championship teams...Army Navy games...music gets louder,and then the Army team comes running out with the American flag....damn....I'm cheering for Army but I have three ***'s on NT +5.5.
The North Texas fans were going crazy.Even when North Texas took the field it was anti climatic for them.
Then the Army team skydivers that are dropped from a helicopter are about to enter the field.There are 4 and each one lands at the 20,30,40 and the last one at the 50 where an official is waiting.This skydiver has the game ball.As we watched I thought the 4th diver looked pretty low but maybe he had a different route.But he was having trouble and never made the treeline.All the fans sitting on the south end zone could see him disappear into the treeline.It was kind of funny but the PA announcer played it off thanking the 3 Army skydivers...
I got to sit with many North Texas people and all of them couldn't believe how nice NY was.Most were staying in NYC and took buses up here.They were surprised at how friendly New Yorkers are.I told them its kind of a profiling we all do no matter where your from.I'm glad those 200-300 people got to experience something different.
The 2nd half I got to sit with R.At 1st I sat with him and his 100 brigade plebes.I was the only person in " civies" in the section.I asked if that was allowed because it looked like I didn't belong. "R" introduced me to all his plebes in his brigade.Again you see these kids that just a month ago graduated HS.Again I'm so proud of all these kids.
"R" took me over to his parents and I watched the 2nd half there.
The game is another story.North Texas starting a backup Qb and center both break their legs early in the game.The 3rd string guys couldn't do anything.Army scores within 4 minutes when NT's punter flubs a punt and Army gets the ball on the NT 30.Three plays later its 7-0.It was over then.
Army gets its 1st shutout in 5 years....Although I was a little lighter in the boxes department it was such a nice day and great win for Army.I had such a nice day on the banks of the Hudson.So did the 300 NT fans and the 25,000 Army fans....
Hope this post doesn't sound to Corney but it was a great day.
Think I like Duke next week vs Army if the line is under 8..not sure of the line yet....
